Six Facts that Differentiate MFB's Food Rescue and Distribution
According to the USDA, 12.8% of households in the United States were food-insecure at some point during 2022. This issue exists alongside another concerning statistic: about 30-40% of food produced in the United States goes to waste. Midwest Food Bank (MFB) has pioneered a unique food rescue model to address these critical issues. Here are six key factors that differentiate MFB's food rescue and distribution.
Exceptional Partnerships
One of the cornerstones of the Midwest Food Bank's success is our outstanding relationships with various food donors. Well-known companies like Nestle, Pepsico, and Amazon Fresh donate food to MFB. Some unexpected donors include Delta Airlines and non-profits like Convoy of Hope. Donations are often food that is over-produced, mispackaged, or otherwise unable to be sold, yet safe for consumption. These donations provide a diverse range of food items, ensuring that the food bank can effectively meet its communities' nutritional needs.
Safe and Efficient Facilities
Midwest Food Bank prioritizes volunteer, staff, and food safety. Our warehouses are clean and designed with a focus on safety. MFB has a newly implemented, state-of-the-art inventory system. These factors ensure that rescued food is handled, stored, and distributed in a safe and quality environment.
Streamlined Processes
Efficiency is at the heart of Midwest Food Bank's operations. The organization is always prepared to retrieve food donations using our fleet of trucks. Once received, the food is inventoried, sorted, and packaged, ensuring it is ready for distribution to those in need. These well-defined processes help minimize waste and maximize the impact of every donation.
The Power of Volunteers
The most distinguishing feature of Midwest Food Bank is our reliance on volunteers. With only a small number of staff at each location, we rely on an incredible army of over 35,000 dedicated volunteers. MFB empowers volunteers to take ownership of their roles, giving them greater fulfillment. This volunteer-driven approach allows MFB to minimize administrative costs, directing more resources toward alleviating hunger.
Free Distribution
Midwest Food Bank stands out by distributing food to our non-profit partners free of charge. This generosity enables our partner organizations to channel their funding into other critical resources for their clients. In 2023, $470M in food was distributed to 2,400 non-profits for free.
Faith-Inspired Compassion
Most significantly, Midwest Food Bank's values are deeply rooted in faith in Christ. All food is distributed without discrimination. While we strive to meet the physical needs of those we serve, we also aim to nourish their spirits.
Midwest Food Bank's unique food rescue model combines faith in Christ, strong partnerships, top-tier facilities, efficient processes, dedicated volunteers, and a commitment to providing food free of charge to those in need. This approach sets us apart in the fight against hunger, profoundly impacting the communities we serve. If you're inspired by our mission, consider volunteering or making a donation to support MFB. Together, we can make a difference for those struggling with food insecurity.
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